The Gulf Time Newspaper One of the finest business newspapers in the UAE brought to you by our professional writers and editors.
Bloomberg
The Italian government will extend its nationwide lockdown to April 13, as relaxing rules too early would negate efforts to counter the spread of the coronavirus, Health Minister Roberto Speranza said.
“Getting the timing wrong or taking decisions too early would end up cancelling out the work done in these very difficult weeks,†Speranza told the Senate in Rome.
Italy has shuttered all but the most essential activities, weighing on an already sluggish economy. The unprecedented nationwide shutdown had been scheduled to end April 3, though an extension has been widely expected.
Based on advice from scientific and medical advisers, “the government has decided to confirm until April 13
all the measures of limitations on economic and social activities and on individuals’ movements previously adopted,†Speranza said.
Still,“it would be an unforgivable mistake to see this first result as a definitive defeat of the virus, the battle is still very long,†Speranza said.